Veikkaus has appointed Chris Armes as Executive Vice President of Gaming Technologies and a member of its executive team as the Finnish operator prepares for increased domestic competition and further international expansion.
Armes will lead Veikkaus’ technology team from the company’s Helsinki headquarters and is expected to begin the role during autumn 2026.
He joins from gaming technology supplier High5Games, where he was responsible for technology and operational delivery across its B2B and B2C activities. His earlier positions included senior technology leadership roles at Gaming Innovation Group and Scientific Games Digital.
While at Scientific Games Digital, Armes led the technology integration that followed the company’s acquisition of NYX Gaming Group. Veikkaus said he has experience guiding organisations through complex transformations and helping single-market operators develop into multi-market technology businesses.
His areas of expertise include scalable digital platforms, cloud transformation, cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence in player protection. He holds a BSc in Computing Science from Staffordshire University and is a Chartered Engineer.
Commenting on the appointment, Veikkaus President and CEO Olli Sarekoski stated: "We are very pleased to welcome Chris to Veikkaus’ Executive Team. His broad experience in transforming iGaming technology platforms and leading in highly regulated international markets will be extremely valuable as we continue to develop first-class customer experiences and technological innovation.
"Chris’ strong commitment to responsible gaming and security is well aligned with our values, and he brings extensive international gaming experience to our team."
Armes himself added: "I am excited to join Veikkaus, an ambitious and forward-looking company that is entering an important new phase as the Finnish market opens and the company continues to internationalise.
"I look forward to working with the talented team in Helsinki to support the next phase of technology-led growth and to deliver competitive, scalable and safe digital platforms for our players."
Armes’ appointment forms part of wider leadership changes at Veikkaus. EVP Velipekka Nummikoski is leaving on 31 August after 14 years, while Ilkka Kosola is expected to join as CFO by the end of September.
The operator also appointed Janne Rajalahti and Eeva Salonen to its Board in April, adding international business and transformation experience ahead of Finland’s move to a competitive licensing model and Veikkaus’ targeted expansion into an international gambling group by 2030.
Finland’s licensed online casino and sports betting market is scheduled to open on 1 July 2027
